Myths about Breastfeeding

It hurts!
  • Breastfeeding may hurt and/or may be uncomfortable when you first start.  If it’s still hurting once you get used to breastfeeding, then the baby is typically not latching on properly.  If this is the case, talk to your doctor and/or a lactation consultant.
It makes your breasts sag and shrinks your breasts!
  • This is not the case.  Breasts may sag and change shape on their own, but this is not due to breastfeeding.  It is due to aging and gravity.
Formula is just as good as breast milk!
  • Formula will never be as good as breast milk.  Human milk is specifically designed for human infants just like cow’s milk is specifically designed for baby cows.  Human babies will almost never be allergic to breast milk; however, it is extremely common for babies to be allergic to cow’s milk.
You have to watch what you eat!
  • While breastfeeding, there is no particular diet you have to follow.  However, you should eat like you did while you were pregnant.  You can still eat spicy foods and such.  You should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.  Also, pay attention to what you eat and how it affects your baby.  Foods that cause you to be gassy may cause the baby to be gassy.  Also, certain foods may affect your baby but may not affect all babies.  Make sure to drink plenty of fluids.  Exercise is still encouraged during this time.
Absolutely no alcohol!
  • You can drink a little while breastfeeding.  Try to pump before drinking.  If you have one drink, once you can no longer feel the effects of the alcohol, then it is safe to breastfeed your baby again(typically one to two hours per drink).  Absolutely no drugs while breastfeeding!
Absolutely no smoking!
  • Smoking is bad for both you and your baby, but if you are a smoker, make sure to smoke after you breastfeed or pump.  You should also change your shirt after smoking before holding your baby again. Do not allow others to smoke around your baby, and make sure other smokers change shirts after smoking if they want to hold the baby.
Can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding!
  • If you are only feeding your baby nothing but breast milk, then this can be true 98% of the time.  Once the baby starts sleeping through the night and is eating solid and/or supplemental foods, then there is a much higher chance of getting pregnant.  You should not rely on breastfeeding as a form of birth control.  Please talk to your doctor about birth control methods that are safe while breastfeeding.
Time consuming!
  • You will actually spend more time formula feeding, because you have to mix up the formula, make the bottle, heat the bottle, wait for the bottle to cool, and then finally feed the baby. While breastfeeding you can just pick the baby up and feed him or her.  You will also spend more time burping the baby if you formula feed.
Won’t have enough milk!
  • If you are breastfeeding properly, then this should not be a problem.  It is recommended that a woman feed her baby 8-12 times a day.  Also, starting to breastfeed as soon after delivery will help with milk production.  You should typically try to breastfeed within an hour of delivery.
Can’t breastfeed if have a C-section!
  • This is not true.  You can definitely breastfeed after having a C-section.  It is best to start as soon as possible while you both are still in the hospital.
Can’t breastfeed in public nor at work!
  • The state of TN has laws that allow women to legally breastfeed in public.  Also, all jobs are required by law to provide a place (and not just the restroom) for a woman to pump her milk.  So, talk to your employer about being able to breast pump at work.  You can be paid for the breast pumping break like you would for a normal 15 minute break.  Explain to your employer that if he/she allows you to breast pump at work, you will miss less work later on due to your baby being sick.  For more information, visit: http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/breast50.htm#t
Milk will “come in” right after delivery!
  • It usually takes a couple of days for your milk to come in.  The first milk to come in is known as colostrum which is a clear liquid.  Go ahead and start breastfeeding as soon as possible, because this will help the milk come in faster.
Colostrum is bad for the baby!
  • Colostrum is excellent for the baby.  It has antigens in it that will help protect the baby from infections, so go ahead and feed the baby the colostrum while waiting for the milk to come in.
Doesn’t allow for anyone else to feed the baby, so baby does not build bond with father and other family members!
  • Physicians recommend that babies be breastfed by the mother for the first 6 weeks in order to avoid nipple confusion and volume issues.  The baby’s stomach is extremely small (about the size of a marble) on day one.  You need to slowly increase the amount the baby eats as the stomach expands, which the baby will do on its own if you are breastfeeding.  Many times, people give too much food when bottle feeding causing the baby's stomach to stretch too quickly.  When the baby goes back to the breast, the mother may not make enough milk, because the baby’s stomach has grown too much.  This teaches babies to overeat, so try not to overfeed the baby.  After the first 6 weeks, the mom can start pumping and let other family members feed the baby.
WIC is not for breastfeeding moms!
  • All mothers are encouraged to join WIC if eligible.  Make sure to tell WIC staff that you are a breastfeeding mom because that will change your food package (you need usually around 500 extra calories while breastfeeding including more nutrients such as calcium and protein).  WIC does strongly encourage breastfeeding, so if you are a breastfeeding mom, you can join the WIC program.

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Disclaimer:  This information is meant for educational purposes only and cannot replace medical advice.  Contact your doctor about any concerns you have.